State Government to boost safety at major Reid Highway intersection

The State Government will build a $30million overpass to eliminate a notorious traffic black spot at the intersection of Reid Highway and Mirrabooka Avenue.

Inspecting the intersection today, Transport Minister Troy Buswell said work on the Reid Highway overpass would begin in April and be completed by the end of 2011.

"This is a long-awaited and long-overdue project that will greatly enhance safety for all road users and improve traffic efficiency on roads in this area," Mr Buswell said.

"The intersection carries about 60,000 vehicles per day, which is expected to increase by 25,000 vehicles a day within the next five years.

"In the 10 years to the end of 2009, there were 400 crashes at this intersection, with four fatalities and 38 people seriously injured.

"The intersection is currently controlled by two separate sets of traffic signals and is ranked as the State's fourth-worst for crashes in the metropolitan area."

The Minister said the State Government would achieve time and cost savings through the selection of Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd, the company building the nearby Reid/Alexander project, to build the new overpass.

"Through a variation to the existing contract, Abigroup will be in a position to begin works on the ground at Reid/Mirrabooka by April, before completion of the Reid/Alexander project in June," he said.

"The State Government will save up to $8million from design savings, reduced workforce mobilisation costs and contract and project management cost reductions.

"The new interchange will resemble the new Reid Highway/Alexander Drive intersection, in that it will be a diamond-shaped intersection with a two-lane carriageway in each direction on Reid Highway and four lanes on Mirrabooka Avenue."

Minister's office - 9213 6900

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